Preview — Rainbow Valley
by L.M. Montgomery

Anne's wonderful, lively children found a special place all their own. Rainbow Valley was the perfect spot to play, to dream and to make the most unusual friends, like the Merediths. They were two girls and two boys who had no mother. What they did have was a minister father who was looking for a wife but so far had found nothing but heartbreak. Between the minister courti

Anne's wonderful, lively children found a special place all their own. Rainbow Valley was the perfect spot to play, to dream and to make the most unusual friends, like the Merediths. They were two girls and two boys who had no mother. What they did have was a minister father who was looking for a wife but so far had found nothing but heartbreak. Between the minister courting a young spinster and the escapades of the restless children, the town was bubbling with scandal. But in the end, the warmth and laughter of Anne of Green Gables taught all an unforgettable lesson of love.

Community Reviews

The front cover is simply maddening! There are four girls, and Anne only has three, so one must be a Meredith. So which one??The boy in the water is, I'm thinking, Shirley, and the tall one is Walter. The girl sitting is Diana.If the girl in the blue dress holding the flowers is Rilla and the one holding the basket is Nan, or vice versa, then who is the second redhead? Rilla's hair is a softer red, and neither of the Meredith sisters has red hair.Till my dying day I will be puzzling over this...The front cover is simply maddening! There are four girls, and Anne only has three, so one must be a Meredith. So which one??The boy in the water is, I'm thinking, Shirley, and the tall one is Walter. The girl sitting is Diana.If the girl in the blue dress holding the flowers is Rilla and the one holding the basket is Nan, or vice versa, then who is the second redhead? Rilla's hair is a softer red, and neither of the Meredith sisters has red hair.Till my dying day I will be puzzling over this...I like things to make sense, for heaven's sake.Ah well, it's the wonderful book that counts: as always, LMM's powers of description shine out. I relish each word I read like a juicy piece of fruit whose sweet taste never quite leaves my mouth. Every character means something to me and moves me in some way.

There are characters I would like more of, especially Una. I'd love more of her troubles and adventures, particularly since I feel like her--sensitive and shy. But Faith gets more attention, more, in fact, than any of the other children. It's understandable given her spunky, active personality, and there's no doubt that she's a fun, lovable heroine. But just because Una is perhaps less active and outwardly reactive than Faith doesn't mean her episodes would be less engaging and meaningful. This partiality for Faith in Rainbow Valley is similar to what happens in Anne of Avonlea: Dora, the quiet, perfect child, is ignored in favor of Davy, the more vivacious, troublesome one.

I would also like more of the Blythes and their specific activities with the Merediths in Rainbow Valley. In addition, a chapter or two from Anne's persepective, in which Faith or another Meredith comes to her for a talk, would be nice. I want a sampling of her adult self, who is sympathetic and helps them with their problems and feelings. Adults seek Anne too, but there are no examples of either.

Vagueness in Rainbow Valley also lies in the romance of Mr. Meredith (who is really too absent to be believable-forgetting to eat and sleep! But he is lovable) and Rosemary West. It's rather rushed. He meets her, 'wakes up' a little, visits her and Ellen frequently, then suddenly proposes. I feel like "Did I miss something, skip a chapter?" I don't get to see any of the dialogues Mr. Meredith has with Rosemary, or Ellen. I have to give LMM a break because it's hard to actually show relationships develop, but they would have so much more meaning if I got an idea of what exactly Mr. Meredith and Rosemary are like together and what they talk about.

I always love LMM's romances, especially how they begin and culminate, but she does tend to gloss over their progression, summarizing with "They talked of books, politics, etc, and felt such kinship," which is easier than actually showing the conversations. The summaries and circumstances of her romances are so beautifully described I love them anyway, but still feel a little cheated. For example, on page 148, 'Mr. Meredith touched deeps in her nature that Martin had never touched--that had not, perhaps, been in the girl of seventeen to touch.' Wonderful! But where does such a sentiment come from? In simply being with him, in the things he says...?

Another point on Mr. Meredith--I am opposed to the idea that, in order to be an attentive, caring father, Mr. Meredith needs a wife. It may be true that he cannot do it all alone and children's lives are not quite complete with only one parent, but I can't accept his lack of a wife as an excuse to be neglectful. Throughout the book he rues his neglect when his children get into scrapes, but he really does nothing about it. No wife is necessary for him to be more involved in their lives.

I greatly enjoy the intervals with Miss Cornelia and Susan giving their opinions on various matters, as well as the theological discussions of both the adult and children. All of them are enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Despite some vagueness, Rainbow Valley is utterly lovely and golden. How I wish for a Rainbow Valley of my own, and a group of such children as the Blythes and Merediths to tryst in it with! LMM is an author who instantly instills in me a desire to live in the worlds of her books. How I wish, too, that there was another book between Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside that shows all of the Blythes and Merediths growing up! I come to care so deeply for them....more

The stories of Anne of Green Gables manage to cast such a cheerful, lighthearted glow on the world. At first glance it almost seems too much, as if the characters are unbelievable because the world isn't so bright and good all the time. But L.M. Montgomery doesn't avoid writing about characters that suffer, she just refuses to dwell on the misery in life. Even characters such as Mary Vance, or Lida Marsh have a hopeful feel to them. It makes me feel like some of our authors today try too hard, sThe stories of Anne of Green Gables manage to cast such a cheerful, lighthearted glow on the world. At first glance it almost seems too much, as if the characters are unbelievable because the world isn't so bright and good all the time. But L.M. Montgomery doesn't avoid writing about characters that suffer, she just refuses to dwell on the misery in life. Even characters such as Mary Vance, or Lida Marsh have a hopeful feel to them. It makes me feel like some of our authors today try too hard, spend too much detail on the horribleness of life. I wish more modern authors would take after L.M. Montgomery's style, that a character's life doesn't have to be perfect, but the character can still be strong and get through it... and we don't have to wade through all the horrible, ghastly details....more

A.Dichotomy Girl wrote: "I would be curious to hear your opinion of her Emily of New Moon or The Blue Castle. Both of which I greatly enjoyed, but are aDichotomy Girl wrote: "I would be curious to hear your opinion of her Emily of New Moon or The Blue Castle. Both of which I greatly enjoyed, but are a bit darker then the Anne Series."

I will have to look into those, thanks for the recommendation!...more
Mar 18, 2014 11:58AM

Like I always say, children are the best form of birth control. Even imaginative, sweet-natured children. Oh, lisping Rilla, being chased into the mud by a codfish-wielding Mary Vance... how I laughed uproariously over your plight, though I gathered from the soulful prose that I was meant to feel sorry for you.

Seven books in, and I can't stop wondering what Anne was like in bed. When one of her litter of six was born, L. M. Montgomery wrote of a stork depositing a bundle of baby at the Blythe reLike I always say, children are the best form of birth control. Even imaginative, sweet-natured children. Oh, lisping Rilla, being chased into the mud by a codfish-wielding Mary Vance... how I laughed uproariously over your plight, though I gathered from the soulful prose that I was meant to feel sorry for you.

Seven books in, and I can't stop wondering what Anne was like in bed. When one of her litter of six was born, L. M. Montgomery wrote of a stork depositing a bundle of baby at the Blythe residence. I was so flummoxed by the reference to this cliched bullshit that I couldn't even summon a proper giggle. It made me think of the horrible Victorian values that are with us still, in their myriad stifling forms. I suppose Vicki really did just close her eyes and think of England. I wonder what Liz thinks of the whole reproductive process....more

I actually ended up really really loving this installment. I think partly I love it because the children are the focus now--none of the indecision of the previous book, although there are of course digressions that focus a bit on Anne, and a few that focus on Mr. Meredith and the West sisters and a few other choice adults. I just LOVE the addition of the Meredith family to the Ingleside cast, and even though we really don't get to see their visits, it makes me deeply happy to know that the BlythI actually ended up really really loving this installment. I think partly I love it because the children are the focus now--none of the indecision of the previous book, although there are of course digressions that focus a bit on Anne, and a few that focus on Mr. Meredith and the West sisters and a few other choice adults. I just LOVE the addition of the Meredith family to the Ingleside cast, and even though we really don't get to see their visits, it makes me deeply happy to know that the Blythe family still goes back to Avonlea to visit rather regularly. However, there are a few honestly chilling moments of foreshadowing of World War One, which I think rather add to the book than detract from it, giving it a bit of added depth and urgency: we know these charming, happy days will soon come to a brutal end because of the Great War. (Am I starting to sound like the narrator of this series??) Despite how Anne may feel about it, Four Winds will never be as dear to me as Avonlea, nor Ingleside as loveable as Green Gables, but they're almost there, and I truly enjoyed reading this book. ...more

Anne’s kids find new playmates. Overall, a bit better than Anne of Ingleside — the Blythe kids are more interesting in this book, and the Meredith children are a lot of fun. My one major gripe is Rev. John Meredith, the severely absent-minded minister father who supposedly loves his kids but who doesn’t notice their poor food and household conditions, and on the rare occasions where he wakes up enough to notice, he doesn’t do anything about it, until he finally gets married to a woman who’ll takAnne’s kids find new playmates. Overall, a bit better than Anne of Ingleside — the Blythe kids are more interesting in this book, and the Meredith children are a lot of fun. My one major gripe is Rev. John Meredith, the severely absent-minded minister father who supposedly loves his kids but who doesn’t notice their poor food and household conditions, and on the rare occasions where he wakes up enough to notice, he doesn’t do anything about it, until he finally gets married to a woman who’ll take care of all that. I don’t find him funny or endearing; I pity him, but I also find him criminally irresponsible. At the very least, he could apply to one of his neighbors for advice — the Blythes live quite nearby, for example — or he could shell out the money for a good housekeeper; there’s no hint that this would be impossibly expensive for him. He’s one of these people who would make a fabulous contemplative monk or celibate priest but who has no business being a family man....more

I thoroughly loved this! It was funny and the characters were charming, particularly Norman and Ellen. I just LOVED their romance. I was horrified by the maltreatment of Mr Meredith's children, though. What started out funny quickly became full-blown neglect, and no one did a damn thing about it. Still, she's back on the side of poking fun at religion. Yay!

"Mr Wiley used to mention hell when he was alive. He was always telling folks to go there. I thought it was some place over in New BrunswickI thoroughly loved this! It was funny and the characters were charming, particularly Norman and Ellen. I just LOVED their romance. I was horrified by the maltreatment of Mr Meredith's children, though. What started out funny quickly became full-blown neglect, and no one did a damn thing about it. Still, she's back on the side of poking fun at religion. Yay!

"Mr Wiley used to mention hell when he was alive. He was always telling folks to go there. I thought it was some place over in New Brunswick where he come from."Mary is way more like what an orphan servant would be than Anne ever was.

"Fancy!" said Mary. "I saw the main street in Charlottetown once and I thought it was real grand, but I s'pose it's got nothing on heaven."

"We are bringing ourselves up, you know, because there is nobody to do it."Faith says a variation of this to Mr Meredith about three times and he feels HORRIBLY GUILTY and then does fuck-all about it. What a shit dad....more

As with the other Green Gables books, this one is also a pleasure!! Thank goodness Una steps in for her father and speaks with Rosemary on Mr. Meredith's behalf! If not...well...the world would have Ben much less happier overall, I feel certain! Bless those four siblings and their Good Conduct Club!! How sweet! Although they're rather tough on themselves! These children are adorable! And who couldn't just take Faith in their arms and hold her forever? What an honest, well-meaning soul! And Jem'sAs with the other Green Gables books, this one is also a pleasure!! Thank goodness Una steps in for her father and speaks with Rosemary on Mr. Meredith's behalf! If not...well...the world would have Ben much less happier overall, I feel certain! Bless those four siblings and their Good Conduct Club!! How sweet! Although they're rather tough on themselves! These children are adorable! And who couldn't just take Faith in their arms and hold her forever? What an honest, well-meaning soul! And Jem's growing up and going off to school. Time does fly! ...more

This is actually more of the story of a widowed pastor's children and a runaway, but Anne's children also play a part in it. More beautiful writing with characters to fall in love with and a setting which you wish you could jump into! There is an undercurrent of change running through the book. Even though it was finished shortly after World War I, it takes place before the war, but more than once a hint of what's to come is given which makes it all the more poignant. With only one more book lefThis is actually more of the story of a widowed pastor's children and a runaway, but Anne's children also play a part in it. More beautiful writing with characters to fall in love with and a setting which you wish you could jump into! There is an undercurrent of change running through the book. Even though it was finished shortly after World War I, it takes place before the war, but more than once a hint of what's to come is given which makes it all the more poignant. With only one more book left to read in the series, I'm already feeling sad to be leaving my visits with Anne and her family! ...more

To say that I was disappointed with Anne of Ingleside - the sixth book in the Anne Shirley series, by L. M. Montgomery - would be an understatement. My review of that book details why it is my least favorite book in the series that I've read to date. It was with this in mind that I read the seventh book, Rainbow Valley, with some apprehension. I was willing to give it a try, because I was told by some friends how it was MUCH better than the abysmal (to my view) Anne of Ingleside. I can honestlyTo say that I was disappointed with Anne of Ingleside - the sixth book in the Anne Shirley series, by L. M. Montgomery - would be an understatement. My review of that book details why it is my least favorite book in the series that I've read to date. It was with this in mind that I read the seventh book, Rainbow Valley, with some apprehension. I was willing to give it a try, because I was told by some friends how it was MUCH better than the abysmal (to my view) Anne of Ingleside. I can honestly say that, while not nearly as good a read as Anne of Green Gables or Anne of Windy Poplars, it was quite a fun book nonetheless.

This book, like the previous one, focuses on the children, the next generation, if you will, with the main difference being that for this book the Blythe children themselves are secondary characters. The “manse children” or the kids of the new Presbyterian minister, who is a widower of a few years are the actual primary protagonists, along with another character that also seems to displace the Blythe children in importance. This other character is a girl named Mary Vance, and boy is she ever a hoot!

The minister, John Meredith, has four children, Jerry, Carl, Faith and Una. These children get in so many scrapes reminiscent of what Anne got into in the first two books, but with them it's more because they have no firm hand guiding them. Mr. Meredith often has his head stuck in the clouds, and is very much unable to focus on present concerns. His wife really was a “help meet” for him, to quote Genesis, and without her, he has been lost. The children are not bad, just unsupervised and untaught in the way of decorum or proper manners.

The little children meet a young girl who ran away from her foster mother. This girl is, of course, the aforementioned Mary Vance. Her foster-mother, and her own relations before hand, were terribly abusive, and she is starving and in miserable condition as a scared run-away. The manse children take pity on her and help her, right under the nose of their father, who doesn't notice a blooming thing. Of course, the rest of the town notices, and points it out to him eventually.

John Meredith investigates, and finds out the foster-mother has since died, and eventually Mary ends up adopted by the least likely people of all.... Mrs. Marshall Eliot, aka, Miss Cornelia, and her husband! The family they make is almost worth the story by itself.

There is, of course, romance, as there usually is of some kind in an Anne Shirley book, but I won't get into that too much, as I can see I've spoiled enough already.

This book was far superior to the previous one with actual characterization, and wasn't quite as formulaic as the previous two were. It also showed the responsible, moral, and decent sides to Anne and Gilbert that were so visibly lacking in the previous volume. That said, I do have a problem with one aspect of the children.

It's just a small criticism, but the scene where little Walter avenges himself on a boy that mocks his mom and his friend, Faith Meredith, and everyone congratulates him for it, bothered me. That is appropriate enough to stand up for yourself. But little Faith acted snotty towards the boy in question, and hurt his feelings, so he retaliated, leading to the fight with Walter. No mention seems to be made of how this was wrong as well. For some reason, it made Walter and Faith like bullies, at least to me. It also seems to teach that sometimes it's good to be mean and snobbish to people, or put them down, if they “deserve it”. Then again, this could just be my admitted pet peeve, as I absolutely DESPISE snobbishness.

The foreshadowing of the coming conflict in WWI is here once again. From a character, Ellen West, stating her disdain for the Kaiser of Germany, to the end pages where the boys talk of how they would fight and have grand adventures in some amorphous, fictional war, like in the stories. Here it is done more poetically and yet more somberly, to make a very melancholy, but somehow still satisfying ending.

Anne knows her sons' dreams of greatness, and humors them as she reflects that the time of wars is gone. Man is past all of the foolishness, she thinks. She is sadly mistaken, as will be revealed in a few years, with the advent of the Great War. The ending of Rainbow Valley is particularly poignant in this regard, as Montgomery paints a picture of a time of innocence about to end.

He (Walter) began to speak dreamily, partly because he wanted to thrill his companions a little, and partly because something apart from him seemed to be speaking through his lips.

"The Piper is coming nearer," he said, "he is nearer than he was that evening I saw him before. His long, shadowy cloak is blowing around him. He pipes - he pipes - and we must follow - Jem and Carl and Jerry and I - round and round the world. Listen - listen - can't you hear his wild music?"

The girls shivered.

"You know you're only pretending," protested Mary Vance, "and I wish you wouldn't. You make it too real. I hate that old Piper of yours."

But Jem sprang up with a gay laugh. He stood up on a hillock, tall and splendid, with his open brow and fearless eyes. There were thousands like him all over the land of the maple. Let the Piper come and welcome," he cried, waving his hand. "I'LL follow him gladly round and round the world."

This part of the book struck a chord with me, perhaps because it was so much more thoughtful and respectfully written than the remonstrances on the subject of the Great War in the previous novel. Or perhaps because I can see myself in these fictional boys, as even as late as my early 20s, I harbored the same silly notions. The silly ideas that these fictional boys have - that all boys and men untouched by war keep, whether they admit it or not - that had to be knocked out of me by experiences. How we need our heroes and adventures! But how disastrous and life-changingly awful it is to us when our adventures are real, and we must be the heroes. Idealism and causes go out the window, to be replaced by cold, hard, unforgiving realities.

These fictional boys, like myself and all real-life boys and men who march to drums of battle or of necessity, we all march for adventure that is a shroud of mist quickly dispersed, and to the beat of the Pied Piper whose robes are of the color of Death. War is often necessary in our utterly sinful world until Christ redeems us and Creation at the final hour, but woe to them who yearn for the adventure of it. Our dreams are shattered, and we are left to pick up the pieces.

A moving and worthwhile book to read, and one that truly touched my heart.

People complain that this book doesn't have enough about Anne or her family in it, but I've always kind of liked it anyway (maybe because I'm a fan of L.M. Montgomery's other books too, and not just the Anne series). Mostly, the book is about the Merediths, the children of an absent-minded widower minister. The Merediths are far more exciting characters than Anne's children (at least in this book - Rilla of Ingleside is my favorite and focuses more on Anne's brood) and I love the side story of RPeople complain that this book doesn't have enough about Anne or her family in it, but I've always kind of liked it anyway (maybe because I'm a fan of L.M. Montgomery's other books too, and not just the Anne series). Mostly, the book is about the Merediths, the children of an absent-minded widower minister. The Merediths are far more exciting characters than Anne's children (at least in this book - Rilla of Ingleside is my favorite and focuses more on Anne's brood) and I love the side story of Rosemary and Ellen West and Norman Douglass, some of the most compelling characters that we encounter in the entire series. A little too much Susan Baker in this book, but still - this is one of my favorites in the series - like the original Anne of Green Gables, this book manages to capture both the inherent happiness of childhood the sad truth of how easy it is to break a child's heart through neglect....more

It wasn't L.M. Montgomery's best, though still good. However, this book hardly mentioned Anne at all! And this is her series! The spotlight here was all on the Meredith children. They're fun, too, but I really wanted to know more about Anne's adventures. Or doesn't she have any anymore? And I wanted to know more about Leslie and Owen Ford and Davy and Dora and Diana and her children, but there was a bit too much Meredith children and not enough of that.

For me, "Rainbow Valley" has always been the weak link in Montgomery's "Anne" books. It is more like a sequence of short stories rather than a cohesive whole, and I like her books better when there is a overall picture. Besides, I'm not fond of a few of the stories in this book. It's still L.M. Montgomery, and there's still Anne, but overall I'm not so crazy about it.

This is a book about the Blyth children and their new friends the Merdith's who are the rector's children. They get themselves in to scrapes but gradually learn about life and the adults also get a look in.

I found this hard to get in to at first as there were so many characters to remember and I missed reading about Anne. However after a good 50 pages I got in to it and loved it. I particularly like Faith, Mary Vance and Walter. The adults were well drawn as well and most of us can recognise cerThis is a book about the Blyth children and their new friends the Merdith's who are the rector's children. They get themselves in to scrapes but gradually learn about life and the adults also get a look in.

I found this hard to get in to at first as there were so many characters to remember and I missed reading about Anne. However after a good 50 pages I got in to it and loved it. I particularly like Faith, Mary Vance and Walter. The adults were well drawn as well and most of us can recognise certain personalities you can meet at church! Montgomery captures the essence of what it is to be a child so well and also shows you where adults can often go wrong...

Classic children's fiction of a high quality but maybe missing the focus on one main character. If you want to read another book about Anne you'll be disappointed as she barely features but if you want to know what happens to her brood and the other inhabitants then you'll love it....more

I am really finding this an odd series. For the first few Anne books (basically before she marries) you can view this as a series that is suitable for children/young teens - they can grow with Anne. The you have the more adult section which... I wouldn't want a child to read, then you come back to this - which is a strange mix of adult themes and childish adventures...

I enjoyed this book more than some of the other books in the series which I have read in 2015 but I still didn't find this as enI am really finding this an odd series. For the first few Anne books (basically before she marries) you can view this as a series that is suitable for children/young teens - they can grow with Anne. The you have the more adult section which... I wouldn't want a child to read, then you come back to this - which is a strange mix of adult themes and childish adventures...

I enjoyed this book more than some of the other books in the series which I have read in 2015 but I still didn't find this as enjoyable as the first book (despite it going back to the adventures that only the young can get into!).

I will say that having read some reviews by people who have read all of the books I am very aware of the end circumstances of a certain character and that some of the books were not written in chronological order (apparently in, I believe, the previous book there is some serious foreshadowing about a cross in a foreign land) - however this is the first time I have noticed any foreshadowing. The mentions of the Kaiser were not so bad, they helped put this into a time period, but the last page or so... I wouldn't call it foreshadowing but hitting us over the head with a hammer. That said, I did find it quite beautifully put....more

2.5 stars. This book follows the adventures of Anne and Gilbert Blythe's 6 children as they grow older and meet the mischievous Meredith clan. It generally focuses on the adventures of the children, with Anne appearing only in passing. The children's adventures are amusing, but the core of the book for me was really the would-be romance between Mr. Meredith and Rosemary West. If not for that, the book would have lacked a strong emotional foundation. Many of the Meredith children's woes and misad2.5 stars. This book follows the adventures of Anne and Gilbert Blythe's 6 children as they grow older and meet the mischievous Meredith clan. It generally focuses on the adventures of the children, with Anne appearing only in passing. The children's adventures are amusing, but the core of the book for me was really the would-be romance between Mr. Meredith and Rosemary West. If not for that, the book would have lacked a strong emotional foundation. Many of the Meredith children's woes and misadventures can be traced to the fact that they lack a mother, a proper housekeeper, or an attentive father, so the reader naturally begins to wish that someone would just help these kids out. That helps to link the childish and romantic aspects of the book quite nicely.

I would really only recommend this book to completists who feel that they just have to finish a series; I suspect that most Anne fans won't find it particularly compelling. At this point in the series, the books are really just a series of charming vignettes about children living in a quaint time and place. As I mentioned in my review of Anne of Ingleside, much of the appeal of the original Anne of Green Gables was the adversity that Anne faced. The Blythe children lack any kind of meaningful adversity; their lives are essentially perfect. Perhaps that's why the Meredith children and other characters such as Mary Vance (who hailed from the same orphanage as Anne) were introduced. I will also echo the sentiment found in others reviews that it's a shame that we don't hear more about Anne herself or about any of the folks at Green Gables. Much of the core of the series seems to have been lost, which is a real shame....more

It had been years since I had read "Rainbow Valley" as I have a tendency to stop reading at "Anne of Ingleside", therefore, my memories of "Rainbow Valley" were iffy at best. However, I really enjoyed reading it this time through and was caught up by the storylines of the manse children, the two sisters who had given up on love, and the hints of what the future was to hold for Walter and the other boys.

Of course, being the Anne and Gilbert fan that I am, I would have been happy with a little leIt had been years since I had read "Rainbow Valley" as I have a tendency to stop reading at "Anne of Ingleside", therefore, my memories of "Rainbow Valley" were iffy at best. However, I really enjoyed reading it this time through and was caught up by the storylines of the manse children, the two sisters who had given up on love, and the hints of what the future was to hold for Walter and the other boys.

Of course, being the Anne and Gilbert fan that I am, I would have been happy with a little less "Mother and Dad" and a bit more "Anne and Gilbert" interaction, but at the same time, it was interesting to see what the offspring of Anne and Gilbert were like.

One character who is mentioned but is lacking in storylines, is Shirley - Anne and Gilbert's fifth child, and apple of Susan's eye. It's almost like he doesn't enter into the family at all, which I think is a little strange. We see a whole lot of the oldest four Blythe children, but Shirley and Rilla don't have a lot of family interaction in "Rainbow Valley".

So, while it remains as the least of my favorites of this delighful series, I certainly enjoyed it more this time around than I did in past readings, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to read the Anne stories....more

I was breezing through the whole Anne series until I got to this one and it's been dragging for me. Anne's all grown up and has popped out 5 kids. Most of the story revolves around the preacher who lives next door, a widower, and his kids and their shenanigans. Yawn. Oh, and at one point, one of the little girls says, "She works me like a(n-word)" and that was apparently a totally acceptable turn of phrase when the book was written, but it made it hard for me to continue reading, especially sincI was breezing through the whole Anne series until I got to this one and it's been dragging for me. Anne's all grown up and has popped out 5 kids. Most of the story revolves around the preacher who lives next door, a widower, and his kids and their shenanigans. Yawn. Oh, and at one point, one of the little girls says, "She works me like a(n-word)" and that was apparently a totally acceptable turn of phrase when the book was written, but it made it hard for me to continue reading, especially since a few chapters earlier, one of Anne's saccharine sweet kiddies had given a two page lecture to an unruly youth about how it was not proper to swear by saying the word 'darn.' ...more

Well things have improved since Anne of Ingleside. The book has regained some of the early charm, but it isn't about Anne anymore. She is just a vague background character. In fact it is almost like a retelling of Anne of Green Gables, but for the next generation i.e. Anne's children and the Merediths. Avonlea has firmly disappeared (to be replaced by Rainbow Valley as the centre of the universe) with only vague references to Aunt Marilla, who passes away sometime during the course of the book;Well things have improved since Anne of Ingleside. The book has regained some of the early charm, but it isn't about Anne anymore. She is just a vague background character. In fact it is almost like a retelling of Anne of Green Gables, but for the next generation i.e. Anne's children and the Merediths. Avonlea has firmly disappeared (to be replaced by Rainbow Valley as the centre of the universe) with only vague references to Aunt Marilla, who passes away sometime during the course of the book; there is hardly any mention of it, not even so much as Anne going to her funeral, or feeling anything about it when we had such detail of her turmoil after Matthew's passing. LMM hasn't done justice to Marilla in my opinion.

It's amusing to read about the mores of early 20th century: how kids should behave and what's 'Christian'. Oh the horror of working on a Sunday!

LMM might have been really perturbed by European politics at the time of writing this book (it was published after WW1 I believe). She keeps hinting at it from her characters' point of view and the undercurrent of it appears throughout the book....more

Reading a good book for the second, third, or even fiftieth time is always a pleasure. When it is so long since the last time that you read it that you have forgotten much of what happens I think the delight is doubled. You have the comfort and reassurance of knowing that it is a good book and that you will enjoy it thoroughly, but you can also feel the suspense, surprise and wonder of your first read all over again! This was certainly my experience with Rainbow Valley. I had forgotten all the fReading a good book for the second, third, or even fiftieth time is always a pleasure. When it is so long since the last time that you read it that you have forgotten much of what happens I think the delight is doubled. You have the comfort and reassurance of knowing that it is a good book and that you will enjoy it thoroughly, but you can also feel the suspense, surprise and wonder of your first read all over again! This was certainly my experience with Rainbow Valley. I had forgotten all the fun and riotous events, the wonderful characters and the joyful setting of the Valley itself. Perhaps as an adult I found some of aspects of the book less convincing - for instance, could a father really be so absent-minded that he didn't notice the presence of an extra child in his house for two whole weeks?? - but this did not reduce my enjoyment of it one iota. The only shadow as I finished this book was the knowledge that I have only one more Anne book left to enjoy! ...more

I have to say, I was hesitant to pick up this book. The previous books in the Anne of Green Gables series haven't reached Anne of Green Gable's level, and to be honest, this one hasn't either. However, it was extremely close.

This book revolves around Anne's kids, and the kids at the manse, and dedicates some of its time to Mr. Meredith, the new minister. It was fun to read about the various adventures that the kids had, ranging from discovering a new kid in a barn to forming their own Good-ConduI have to say, I was hesitant to pick up this book. The previous books in the Anne of Green Gables series haven't reached Anne of Green Gable's level, and to be honest, this one hasn't either. However, it was extremely close.

This book revolves around Anne's kids, and the kids at the manse, and dedicates some of its time to Mr. Meredith, the new minister. It was fun to read about the various adventures that the kids had, ranging from discovering a new kid in a barn to forming their own Good-Conduct Club. Rainbow Valley also talks about Mr. Meredith and his relationship with Rosemary West, as well as Rosemary's relationship with her sister Ellen. Bound to a promise that neither should marry and both should live together until one dies, conflict soon ensues when Mr. Meredith and Rosemary fall in love.

The title "Rainbow Valley" comes from the hollow that the kids have named. They play there together often, and is mentioned frequently in the book.

Anne is not featured as prominently as she had been in the previous books, and it was to be expected, seeing that the title did not include her name. I would have loved to see Anne in her matronly state, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.

I remember now why I didn't rush to read this. Anne is hardly in it at all! As a book in the Anne of Green Gables series, it's a terrible let down. I got quite excited when the Reverend said he was going to see Mrs Blythe. Finally, a bit of Anne. But no. The doctor's wife is not at home. It was the same when Faith wants to see her. Anne being away does serve to forward the plot with other characters, but oh dear. Not much Anne, even less Gilbert, and no Avonlea at all. That said, this book is loI remember now why I didn't rush to read this. Anne is hardly in it at all! As a book in the Anne of Green Gables series, it's a terrible let down. I got quite excited when the Reverend said he was going to see Mrs Blythe. Finally, a bit of Anne. But no. The doctor's wife is not at home. It was the same when Faith wants to see her. Anne being away does serve to forward the plot with other characters, but oh dear. Not much Anne, even less Gilbert, and no Avonlea at all. That said, this book is lovely on its own merit. Montgomery certainly knew how to write charming children. Their sweet little ideas and attitudes, their games and adventures. Rainbow Valley sounds like a lovely place and it was so enjoyable to imagine the little town surrounding it. It's a good story, too. I just really like the way Montgomery writes about people. They're so real. I intend to read Rilla of Ingleside next. I know it'll be about the children of the place again, and not much Anne, but to be fair, her six children are not unlike her dear self....more

KatyI noticed her pantheistic view as well, and it caught me off guard. However, I just set it aside and ignored it until I read your review. It did giveI noticed her pantheistic view as well, and it caught me off guard. However, I just set it aside and ignored it until I read your review. It did give me a little uneasy feeling but I need to do a better job of recognizing the intent and paying attention to it, least I be unknowingly swayed. Good job in really analyzing the writing. I need to do a better job.]P.S. Thanks for being my "friend". I don't know if you remember me from FBC in Roswell, but I am a friend of your mothers. I was thinking of letting my daughter(age 10) get on here and use it for her book log. I was hoping that you could be a "Titus 2" woman to her? God bless you!...more
Sep 16, 2010 11:29AM

Many years ago I was given the entire Anne of Green Gables series by a church friend... well, almost the entire set. It was missing #7. Imagine my surprise when I went into a Goodwill recently and the seventh book was sitting there! I bought it to complete the set. I'd read books 1-6, but was holding out on #7 before adding it to my collection, reading it, and going on to Rilla of Ingleside.

That was the only reason I made it through this book... to finish reading the series. I found that this boMany years ago I was given the entire Anne of Green Gables series by a church friend... well, almost the entire set. It was missing #7. Imagine my surprise when I went into a Goodwill recently and the seventh book was sitting there! I bought it to complete the set. I'd read books 1-6, but was holding out on #7 before adding it to my collection, reading it, and going on to Rilla of Ingleside.

That was the only reason I made it through this book... to finish reading the series. I found that this book dragged. I was hoping for more of Anne! Poor Gilbert was barely mentioned.

The Meredith children were stupid. Punishing themselves whenever they did something bad! Bringing themselves up because their father was too wrapped up in himself to do it! I'm such a romantic, but I wasn't really enthralled by the reverend and Rosemary's love story.

Rainbow Valley is unique amongst the Anne books as it is most centered on the children and other characters, with Anne a definite secondary character. I really enjoyed the children and their antics, but I missed Anne's strong voice guiding the story.

Amazing how many people dislike this book. I suppose some of that is because there is very little Anne Shirley (Blythe) in it. This book focuses more on the children of the new village minister and their antics, which the Blythe children as companion characters. After Windy Poplars, I wasn't sure I could read another AoGG book right away because I found WP grating. I was happy to see that this book had a little of the old charm and lightheartedness in it. It does seem dated, what with all the reAmazing how many people dislike this book. I suppose some of that is because there is very little Anne Shirley (Blythe) in it. This book focuses more on the children of the new village minister and their antics, which the Blythe children as companion characters. After Windy Poplars, I wasn't sure I could read another AoGG book right away because I found WP grating. I was happy to see that this book had a little of the old charm and lightheartedness in it. It does seem dated, what with all the religious references and gossipy old bitties, but that's a small village for you. I found it a charming story in all and a nice change from Anne butting into everyone else's business. ...more

Lucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908.

The author of the famous Canadian novel Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, in 1911 after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911Lucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908.

The author of the famous Canadian novel Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, in 1911 after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911 in Prince Edward Island. Her three children were born at Leaskdale, and she wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the Macdonald family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926.

Maud died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.